How Manchester United Should Approach Champions League 2nd Leg vs. Real Madrid

Despite Real Madrid having had plenty of chances of their own to grab the early initiative, Manchester United were perhaps left the more disappointed side following the 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu last week.

The Champions League Round of 16 tie lived up to the hype and then some, creating a hero out of shot-stopper David de Gea and futher enhancing the legend of Cristiano Ronaldo.

With the second leg only a few weeks away, now is as good a time as any to preview the Old Trafford clash and break down exactly how the Red Devils should approach the game in terms of their mentality.

If round two promises to be anything like round one, fans of both teams won't have any nails left to bite by its conclusion.

Discipline

The Red Devils must remain well-disciplined during their second-leg tie with Los Blancos.

Sir Alex Ferguson's tactical game plan must be adhered to for the full 90 minutes—this means no lapses in concentration or moments of sloppiness that the side have been capable of in the recent past.

One only has to think back to the team's quarterfinal second-leg clash with Bayern Munich in 2010, which saw United jump out to an early 3-0 lead, before subsequently conceding two fatal goals at the hands of Ivica Olic and Arjen Robben.

Brazilian full-back Rafael was sent off on that fateful night—this type of indiscipline must also be avoided.

Real will be looking to take every advantage they can, whether tactically or mentally.

Excitement

There can be fewer more exhilarating experiences for a professional footballer than a late Champions League game played in front of a buzzing crowd.

Once the famous anthem begins to play, many fans react with an overwhelming surge of excitement—one only has to imagine how those on the pitch feel.

The pressure of such a momentous occasion as this can often break a player, but those in red who are chosen to face Real should feel only excitement at the prospect.

The match should be treated as a massive opportunity for youngsters such as Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley and Rafael to impress, while the veterans of the side can build their legacy with a landmark performance.

This is where the exceptional man-management skills of Sir Alex should truly come into effect.